DeForest Development News

Village Board Kicks Off 2027 Budget Discussions, Reviews 2026 Expenditures and Future Priorities

The village board initiated discussions on budget priorities for 2027, reviewing 2026 tax expenditures, the relationship between assessed value and property taxes, and outlining high-level budget impacts and financial goals. The presentation, prepared by Brandon and Bill with input from department heads, detailed the village's portion of the property tax levy (just under 31%), compared to school districts (51.4%), county (14.3%), and tech college (3.4%). It broke down the village's portion by department, with public safety at over 26%, fire/EMS at 7.6%, and public works at 12.2%. General government expenses, including the village board, administration, judicial, legal, insurance, and elections, were also explained. Equipment replacement was noted as a low expenditure at 0.4%. Revenue sources beyond property tax (66%) include other taxes (payment in lieu of taxes), intergovernmental charges (town of Windsor court fees, school liaison agreements), licenses and permits, and miscellaneous income. The discussion also touched on future benefits funds for employee retirement, debt service, net new construction, and the impact of assessed value increases on property taxes. The board considered the 2025 vs. 2026 expenditure budgets, with a $1.2 million increase, partially covered by levy and other revenues. A comparison of medium home values and municipal mill rates with neighboring communities was presented, highlighting DeForest's comparative position. The discussion also covered the village's assessment to equalized value ratio and the practice of budgeting to zero without utilizing fund balances, contrasting with Windsor and Wanke. Future budget impacts for 2027 were identified, including union negotiations, assessment schedules, shared revenue estimates, and the expenditure restraint program. Strategic goals like high quality of life, social connectedness, and land attraction were linked to budget objectives. Proposed budget priorities from department heads included a full-time streets position, LTE position, competitive pay for public services, a junior planner for community development, transitioning a part-time communication position to full-time, a part-time recreation coordinator, and a part-time library aid. Pay scale adjustments for salaried staff and a mountain bike course plan were also discussed. Funding for tourism and laborism will come from special revenue funds. The presentation also included details on pay equity efforts, surveying other communities for salary studies, and the potential for a structured pay scale for employees. Discussions also occurred regarding using overages to pay down debt service and the role of fund balance for emergencies. The village's financial health was underscored by a preliminary AA1 credit rating from Moody's.